CVE-2009-5080

What it is

The (1) contrib/eqn2graph/eqn2graph.sh, (2) contrib/grap2graph/grap2graph.sh, and (3) contrib/pic2graph/pic2graph.sh scripts in GNU troff (aka groff) 1.21 and earlier do not properly handle certain failed attempts to create temporary directories, which might allow local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a file in a temporary directory, a different vulnerability than CVE-2004-1296.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

0.4% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2011-06-30 15:55 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-16 23:14 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.4% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 3.3 LOW (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2011-06-30 15:55 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-16 23:14 UTC

Exploit probability

0.4% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-59

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Gnu Groff ≤ 1.21
• Gnu Groff 1.10
• Gnu Groff 1.11
• Gnu Groff 1.11a
• Gnu Groff 1.14
• Gnu Groff 1.15
• Gnu Groff 1.16
• Gnu Groff 1.16.1

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 3.3

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Medium

Authentication

None

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

Partial

Availability

Partial

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2009-5080.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2009-5080. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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